Social worker struck off following substantive review

Social worker struck off

Social worker Reginald Anthony Frankum (SW25628) has been struck off the HCPC Register following a substantive review of a suspension order originally imposed on 15 February 2017.

A panel of the HCPTS heard that Mr Frankum was originally suspended for six months on the grounds of misconduct whilst employed at Bolton Council.

The Panel further heard that Mr Frankum failed to adequately safeguard three children from risk of harm or sexual abuse from their stepfather.

Panel Chair Ian Comfort commented:

“There was no evidence before the Panel that Mr Frankum appreciates the gravity of his failings, there was no explanation as to how he would behave differently in the future and no assurance that the deficiencies in his practice had been remedied.”

The Panel ordered for the name of Reginald Anthony Frankum to be struck off the HCPC Register.

Mr Frankum was neither present nor represented at the hearing.

-ENDS-Notes to Editors:

1. The Health and Care Professions Council is an independent regulator set up by the Health and Social Work Professions Order 2001. The HCPC keeps a register for 16 different health and care professions and only registers people who meet the standards it sets for their training, professional skills, behaviour and health. The HCPC will take action against professionals who do not meet these standards or who use a protected title illegally.

2. The Health and Care Professions Tribunal Service (HCPTS) is the fitness to practise adjudication service of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Although it is part of the HCPC, the distinct identity of the HCPTS seeks to emphasise that hearings are conducted and managed by independent Panels which are at arm's length from the HCPC. https://www.hcpts-uk.org/aboutus/roleofhcptribunalservice

5. Anyone can contact us and raise a concern about a professional on our Register. This includes members of the public, employers, the police and other professionals. For more information visit www.hcpc-uk.org/complaints

6. The HCPC currently regulates the following 16 professions. Each of these professions has one or more ‘protected titles’. Anyone who uses one of these titles must register with the HCPC. To see the full list of protected titles please see www.hcpc-uk.org/aboutregistration/protectedtitlesArts therapistsBiomedical scientistsChiropodists / podiatristsClinical scientistsDietitiansHearing aid dispensersOccupational therapistsOperating department practitionersOrthoptistsParamedicsPhysiotherapistsPractitioner psychologistsProsthetists / orthotistsRadiographersSocial workers in EnglandSpeech and language therapists

7. The HCPC regulates social workers in England. Social workers in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are separately regulated by the relevant Care Council in that country.

8. Registrants can appeal the panel’s decision. Appeals are made directly to the High Court in England or Wales, the Court of Session in Scotland or the High Court of Justice in Northern Ireland. Appeals must be made within 28 days of when the Notice of Decision and Order is served. The Panel’s order does not take effect until the appeal period has expired or the appeal has concluded.